Welcome to the July 4th long weekend! Whether your plans involve fireworks, refreshing lemonade, backyard barbecues, or simply escaping the heat, I hope you find some time to relax. While you likely aren’t spending your holiday shopping for furniture, there is always a perfect window of time to fire up a new game. Before we dive into our weekend recommendations, here is a quick look at the most significant headlines from the past few days:
- PlayStation to Discontinue Physical Disc Production by January 2028
- PlayStation 3 and Vita Digital Stores Face Imminent Closure
- Digital Movie and TV Content Purge Scheduled for September
- IO Interactive Implements Layoffs Following Xbox Partnership Cancellation
- Speculation Mounts Over Arkane Studios Closure and Marvel’s Blade Cancellation
- Review: Rhythm Heaven Groove – A Polished Musical Masterpiece
- Guns of Eschaton: A Soulslike Western FPS Inspired by Legendary Half-Life 2 Art
Game Recommendations for the Weekend
Rhythm Heaven Groove
As potentially the final major Nintendo Switch title, Rhythm Heaven Groove is an infectious and quirky delight. It’s a game that oscillates between joy, frustration, and pride with ease. While it might not hold the top spot for my personal favorite in the franchise, it is an essential addition to any Switch library. Beyond the mechanics, the game’s bizarre aesthetic is ripe for viral meme culture—I’m truly hoping this entry finally breaks through to the wider internet lexicon.
Meccha Chameleon
This multiplayer hide-and-seek title has become a surprise hit, shifting 10 million units in just a few weeks. It’s an incredibly accessible, budget-friendly experience perfect for weekend sessions. The “Infection” mode is a standout, tasking a lone Hunter with tracking down hiders who must use clever camouflage tools to blend into the environment. With robust Steam Workshop support, finding new maps is a seamless process.
Deltarune Chapter 5: The Festival
Every new installment of Deltarune feels like a special event, and Chapter 5 is no exception. By focusing on a town festival, Toby Fox and his team continue to deliver breathtaking narrative pivots and creative genre-bending sequences. There is a palpable sense of encroaching dread that makes the journey even more compelling. While the full conclusion remains on the horizon, this latest chapter is a masterclass in storytelling.
Wanderstop
Created by Davey Wreden (of The Stanley Parable fame), Wanderstop is a poignant examination of video games as a medium. You play as Alta, a former warrior attempting to find peace through the management of a tea shop. It’s a contemplative, humorous, and deeply human story about accepting one’s limitations. Although developer Ivy Road has unfortunately closed, Wanderstop remains a standout title that invites players to reflect on their own habits and anxieties.
Tabletop Pick: Leviathan Wilds
If you have fond memories of Shadow of the Colossus, Leviathan Wilds is the board game you’ve been waiting for. In this cooperative or solo experience, players scale colossal creatures to purge corrupting crystals. The game uses a clever spiral-bound book format that presents a unique creature and distinct tactical challenges every time you play. It’s beautiful, mechanically brilliant, and highly recommended for your next game night.
